With a myriad of products and trends claiming fame across social media platforms daily it is clear that the skincare industry is finding even more synergy with the beauty industry. This year alone has shown the fast progression skincare companies and influencers are taking to create innovative, sustainable and accessible products. From face masks to beauty supplements, 2018 has proven to be the year of prioritizing skincare as the latest beauty trend. With large influences from Korean skincare, the West has curated a number of products to create that dewy, ‘no-makeup look’ with the best ingredients.

Striving for Sustainability

and waterless products...

Out of all the trends from 2018, sustainable skincare products take the crown. Just as the population is trying to find alternative solutions to maintain a healthy planet, people are doing the same with their skincare routine. Skin is the largest organ, so it only makes sense to do all that is good for it. Companies like Tata Harper and Kora Organics have a more holistic approach to skincare — using all natural ingredients to better your skin and the planet. Not only are these products good for your body, but most of them are also packaged in an eco-friendly manner. Tata Harper packages their products in glass containers so they can be reused and recycled. If any plastic is used, it is deemed necessary for the purpose of the product. Other companies are resorting to zero-packing in order to make the most impact. LUSH Cosmetics is leading the zero-waste revolution with 35 percent of their products sold with no extra packaging.

Water has also been seen to take a major cut from a number of skincare companies in the past year. When we think of hygiene, water is a key component — bathing, brushing your teeth, showering. Even in the current state of a water shortage across Western America,  it is hard to imagine maintaining a certain level of hygiene without it. Brands like Vapour Organic Beauty and Farmacy Beauty are leading the revolution in water-less beauty products. Many companies believe that using less H2O allows for botanicals and essential oils to shine, highlighting their benefits for the best results.

Gender Neutral Beauty

matching tones for all

Beauty campaigns have targeted one particular buyer — young, white, attractive, heterosexual women where there was no range of color or age among models making it difficult to appeal to everyone. 2018 has been the year to make waves and show that the function of beauty and makeup is inclusive to all ages, genders and races. Fenty Beauty, Rihanna’s cosmetic line, was launched in September 2017 and considered one of the leading forces in providing consumers with a broad range of inclusivity for skin tone and gender. Fenty’s Pro Filt’R foundation is produced in 40 different shades and was considered one of Time Magazine’s best inventions of 2017. The popularity of this product created the foundation (ha, get it) for other skincare companies in 2018. One company in particular making way for gender-neutral beauty is Fluide. The cruelty-free makeup line does not have a target audience, rather created for. All gender expressions and skin tones. Fluide is inspired by their community and strives to highlight powerful, forward-thinking individuals around them. On top of creating a safe space for the LGBTQ community, five percent of all profits go to organizationsn that support health and legal rights in the LGBTQ community.

Personalization is Key

made for you w/ <3

As more products and trends begin to circulate, it can be difficult to find a skincare routine to stick to. Originated in Asia, Skin Inc. is one of the leading companies in personalized skincare. The company uses the latest technology and anti-aging research to formulate a custom skincare routine for each customer. The company has locations across the globe, but you can also take quizzes online to determine your skin type and lifestyle habits to determine the best products for you. Curology is another company pushing the boundaries of personalization. The New Mexico-based company uses web-based technology to create an acne treatment that is affordable and accessible. Being located in a more rural state, Curology works with influences to promote their product across different social media platforms. As for beauty products, BITE Beauty is making it easier to find the perfect lipstick shade just for you. BITE has their Custom Lipstick Service that allows clients to pick their shade, a finalized texture and a scent from their list of natural oils. Similar to Skin. Inc. and Curology, BITE has customized services on their website.

Here's what's to come...

it's electric!

As 2018 comes to an end, the commitment toward 100% eco-friendly and sustainable skincare is still on the rise in the new year. Companies will continue to strive for less packaging and all-natural ingredients to decrease the impact on our planet. Many of the beauty trends from the West will continue to be influenced by Asian skincare companies, especially personalized skincare. The one major change in 2019 will be the use of less products but more concentrated formulas. Ampoules in particular will be more common among the everyday skincare routine, creating the perfect dose of product per use. Another major trend in 2019 will be the relationship between technology and beauty. Companies today allow clients to evaluate their skin in order to find the best products, but 2019 will continue to push those boundaries. Neutrogena in particular has created the Neutrogena Skin360, an at-home device that connects to your smartphone to do an in-depth analysis on your skin. This allows customers to not only find the best products for your skin type, but track your skin’s progress overtime. Linking skincare to your phone? We’re down.